Its great that we're starting to see much more RL in the press of late. clearly the extra efforts to push the game is starting to see the benefits, with the London evening standard tweeting four RL related stories today, plus the extra exposure the game will get with the expected Andy Powell to Wigan announcement tomorrow.

Despite the shambles that was the CC draw today, i think its worth pointing out we are starting to get some improved coverage with the World Cup still some time away. If we can continue to build this momentum we could be in for a great year in RL.

Rugby League World Cup 2013 announced today that the semi-final double header will be a specially branded and unique event and will be known as ‘The Big Hit’.

The Big Hit was launched today in London and Mayor Boris Johnson was on hand to celebrate with Rugby League legend Martin Offiah.

The Big Hit concept was devised in consultation with Mark Evans, the person behind the hugely successful ‘Big Game’ concept which introduced radical new pricing and marketing strategies into Rugby Union and helped break the world record attendance for a club game. Agencies McCann and Fast Track who were part of the team that made 2012 such a success have also had input on marketing and PR for the concept.

Dreams will be made and shattered at Wembley Stadium on Saturday November 23 as the world’s top four Rugby League nations battle it out for a place in the Rugby League World Cup final at Old Trafford.

Wembley Stadium has played host to some of international sport’s greatest moments, and Rugby League has a proud history at the venue, having taken the Challenge Cup Final there for the first time in 1929.

RLWC2013 is the next major sporting event after the London 2012 Olympic Games and The Big Hit in particular will provide the perfect opportunity for sports fans in London to witness of the world’s greatest spectator sports.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson has given his full backing to The Big Hit and is anticipating an exciting and action-packed RLWC2013.

He said: ‘Rugby League World Cup 2013 will offer Londoners and visitors to the capital the chance to see some of the world’s best players battle it out in one of our finest sporting venues. As we build a lasting sporting legacy from the 2012 Olympic Games this fantastic event will offer a great family day out for rugby fans young and old.”

Former Wigan and Great Britain star and RLWC2013 Ambassador Martin Offiah said: “I’m always going to be linked with Wembley and the stadium will have a special place in my heart. I played in a Rugby League World Cup Final there in 1995, that was only one game and it was an incredible feeling.

“It’s an iconic stadium and the chance to see both semi-finals there on one day is amazing.

I’ve no doubt it will be filled to the rafters for The Big Hit.”

RLWC2013 General Manager, Sally Bolton said “Tickets for the marquee games at the tournament are selling really well and we know that the appetite for great sport and unique events especially in London is huge.

So we have created ‘The Big Hit’ to underline what a fantastic, value for money event the semi-final double header is for the London sports fan.”

Tickets for The Big Hit are on sale now, with adult admission starting from just £20 (£10 concessions).

If Mark Evans is involved then it has every chance of attracting an excellent crowd .

CM

will be interesting to see what crowds we get for the big events as a different approach has clearly been taken with these. If we get three crowds of 60-70k+ all on the BBC that would be brilliant and hopefully make people sit up and take note.

will be interesting to see what crowds we get for the big events as a different approach has clearly been taken with these. If we get three crowds of 60-70k+ all on the BBC that would be brilliant and hopefully make people sit up and take note.

I had a giggle when I realised who you were quoting while talking about big crowds at Wembley...